United have conceded 32 goals in all competitions this season, and Ferguson conceded: "It's a worry.

"If we perform like that on Sunday then God knows what's going to happen to us."

United are three points clear at the top of the Premier League, and secured a place in the Champions League knockout stages with two games to spare in Group H.

Their total of 37 Premier League goals is nine higher than any other team in the top flight, but Ferguson is concerned his defence could suffer at the hands of Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking before Wednesday night's Champions League game against Romanian side CFR Cluj, Ferguson said: "When you see the goals against - we've lost 32 already - I can't remember us losing so many goals before Christmas.

United's PL defensive record by season

2012-13:
21 goals against (after 15 games)

2011-12:
33 goals

2010-11:
37 goals

2009-10:
28 goals

2008-09:
24 goals

2007-08:
22 goals

2006-07:
27 goals

2005-06:
34 goals

2004-05:
26 goals

2003-04:
35 goals

"It's a concern, there's no question about that. When you see City have Balotelli, Dzeko - all really tall players - it's going to be a big challenge."

Central defender Nemanja Vidic is set to miss both Wednesday's game and Sunday's Manchester derby as he recovers from a knee injury, Ferguson confirmed.

Vidic has played just four times this season, his last appearance coming in the 1-0 Champions League home victory over Galatasaray on 19 September.

Ferguson said: "He feels he needs another few days' training so he won't be available.

"He's not far away. He's training well now but I think another few days will bring him on better.

"If he doesn't play tomorrow, there's no chance he'll play in the derby game. I wasn't considering Nemanja for Sunday anyway. Playing tomorrow would have been a bonus but Sunday would have been too soon [for that sort of game]."

United are guaranteed to finish top of Group H whatever happens against Cluj, but their opponents have plenty to play for, as they could yet pip Galatasaray to the second qualification place.

Ferguson said he would make changes to keep key players fresh, as he did when United lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in their last group game.

"We'll rest some players tomorrow, as we did against Galatasaray," he said. "But we have to be fair to all the teams who are trying to reach important positions - whether that's the Champions League or the Europa League."

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Comments

With the Manchester derby only days away Fergie did a really silly thing tonight by playing Cleverley when he didnt have to. Apart from conceding goals at the back we also need a midfield so Fergie plays one of his best midfielders and it looks as though he will miss the game on Sunday. Fergie has a habit of doing this. Not looking forward to Sunday as I now we are going to get beat.

1-0 come on united. City could you put your passports sonewhere safe until next season. Leave it to the big clubs now. Tut tut new money!!!Liverpool fans if you scrape through the European carling cup tomorrow make sure you have a blue and white scarf by August or you'll need to travel out of the city to watch European football.

Man Utd are gonna get beat by City no doubt about it. Chelsea were unlucky not to but city have got a stronger defence. In fact City are stronger in every area especially midfield- but then the top seven or eight in the league have a better midfield than ManU. The likes of Carrick and Fletcher are just simply very average and Scholes and Giggs are on their last legs.

I can agree with you that Man Utd do get decisions that go their way. BUt my question to you is, which top team doesn't? Lets be honest, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool all have their fair share of decisions that go in their favour. Read the article thenBBC published last month and you actually realise its not just Man Utd that get referee's decisions.

I am quite happy that United are giving squad players a chance and it's foolish to think they don't deserve their place, Fergie is also obviously concerned (rightly so) abouts Sunday's game, so it all makes sense.

I'm hoping for a cracking game of football but I suspect it will be a Mexican stand off....United, not wanting to concede and City, hoping to stabilise after their European misfire.

Tehn why do you watch football still if it's so bent ? Just once I would like to see real proof of these referee payments not some chinese whispers from a deluded well known webforum. It must take a herculean effort for so many people to conspire and not have anyone blow the whistle (pun intended) ever.Proof or hush your gums

@207,If you know of a way to get rid of the glazers please let us know. I do not know one single United fan proud of the rebate.And in early May 2005 we had no debt whatsoever - no takeover = no tax credit.

So if someone on here defends the glazers in any way or form, please have a go at them. But I would like to think you'll struggle finding anyone defending them - even on here.

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